NZ to table a resolution to end violence between Israelis and Palestinians

New Zealand plans to table a resolution at the United Nations Security Council to end a new wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the draft resolution would also reiterate the security council's commitment to a two-state solution.

Addressing the council this morning (NZ time), Mr McCully said a formal resolution had not been made by the UNSC on the issue for six years.

"The events of recent weeks cry out for action," he said.

The recent violence was the result of a political and diplomatic failure, and the council needed to take responsibility for this and move to resolve it.

The minister would circulate a draft resolution which proposed four steps:

• An unequivocal call for an end to the violence, and for leaders to use their authority to bring the violence to an end.

• Reaffirm the "unambiguous commitment" of the UNSC to a two-state solution.

• Make it clear that any solution must take place through direct talks between parties.

• If the parties are not ready, a course should be charted for direct talks.

Mr McCully said the two parties should prepare for talks "within a realistic but early timeframe".

He added: "While no words from this Council will themselves bring about a solution to the Palestinian question, it is our duty today to find ways to stem the violence, and then to find a framework that creates space for the diplomacy and political engagement that are so seriously overdue."

New Zealand is 10 months into a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC.